Tour du Bourdeix

Tour du Bourdeix is a medieval defensive tower standing at the heart of Le Bourdeix, a small village in the Périgord Nontronnais area of the Dordogne department. It is the only surviving fragment of a fortress that once stood here, and the main reason to pause in this quiet corner of Périgord Vert.

What exactly is the Tour du Bourdeix?

The tower is cylindrical and built from regularly dressed granite, a construction style typical of defensive buildings across the region. Its walls are nearly 3 metres thick at the base, and the structure itself rises to a height of around fifteen to twenty metres depending on the source consulted. The lower section still preserves a vaulted, dome-shaped ceiling — an unusual architectural detail for a military structure of this period. Historians generally date the tower to the 12th or 13th century, though some sources place the construction of its current form closer to the 14th century.

The tower is the only element left standing from the first fortress that occupied this site, once associated with the Colomges family name. Since 29 February 1988 it has been listed as a Historical Monument of France, and today it belongs to the commune of Le Bourdeix.

What is the history behind it?

The tower's story is tied directly to the turbulent history of the Hundred Years' War. The first castle on this spot was destroyed during the fighting against the English under the reign of Charles VII. Rather than give up the site, the local lords rebuilt a second residence around 50 metres away in the 15th century, and a third structure went up in the 17th century, this time closer to the parish church. Of all these successive rebuildings, only the tower itself has survived — a single witness to three different phases of defensive and residential architecture on one small patch of land.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The tower stands right by the church square, next to a Romanesque church dating from the 12th century, itself a notable piece of the village's heritage. This square is also the starting point of a popular walking loop that follows the Doue river through the surrounding woodland. The route covers roughly 10.8 kilometres and is rated moderately challenging, taking walkers a little over three hours on average. Along the way, hikers pass the Pinard mill, often cited as one of the most beautiful watermills in the whole of Périgord.

Who is this place suited for?

Le Bourdeix is a typical, quiet village of Périgord Vert, well away from the busier tourist routes clustered around the Dordogne and Vézère valleys. The Tour du Bourdeix appeals to visitors interested in medieval military architecture, as well as walkers looking for quieter trails than those around the larger, better-known castles such as Bourdeilles. It suits travellers moving at a slower pace who want a genuine, rural taste of the Périgord Nontronnais countryside.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the Tour du Bourdeix? The tower stands roughly fifteen to twenty metres tall, with base walls nearly 3 metres thick — proportions typical of granite defensive towers in Périgord.

How old is the tower? It is generally dated to the 12th or 13th century, although some sources place the construction of its present form in the 14th century.

Can visitors go inside the tower? Available information does not specify current opening hours or access arrangements. The tower is commune-owned, so it is best to view it from the outside and check locally for any current visiting details.

What can you do around the tower? From the church square, a walking loop follows the Doue river to the Pinard mill, one of the most beautiful watermills in Périgord — a moderately challenging walk of around 10.8 kilometres.